International

Potts recruits Cooper to ride top-class string in Britain

Bryan Cooper is to become first-choice rider on the Alan Potts horses trained in Britain this season.

Gold Cup-winning jockey Cooper, who lost his job as Gigginstown House Stud's retained rider in July, will start the new role on Wednesday, when he has two rides at Ludlow.

He is set to partner Exxaro and Mick Thonic, both owned by Potts and trained by Colin Tizzard. He will also be in action at Chepstow on Saturday, when the exciting Finian's Oscar is poised to make his chasing debut for the same connections.

Tizzard said on Tuesday: "Alan wants to use Bryan Cooper on his English horses. Bryan is a top-class rider and we are more than happy with that decision."

Robbie Power had been travelling to Britain to ride the Potts horses and was at Newton Abbot last week, when he rode a winner on Sizing Platinum.

Under the new arrangement it is understood Power will continue to ride the Potts horses trained in Ireland, which include this year's Gold Cup winner Sizing John.